Hero Beach Club Is Montauk's Latest Anti-Party Hotspot

Style & Design
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Where Old Montauk and Montauk Highways merge, a white structure sits oceanside, welcoming visitors as they enter Montauk territory. What was once a quiet 1950’s motel has been transformed into a beachfront dream, now known as Hero Beach Club.

At first glance, the Hero Beach Club is unassuming. The hotel is minimal in aesthetic, with only 30 room doors and a parking lot visible from the street. But grand in its offerings, the club becomes a beachside oasis with a sprawling lawn for barbecues, wind blown dunes, a private pool, and access to Umbrella Beach. In the lobby, Emar, the general manager under Bridgeton Hospitality (also of The Walker Hotel), is the definition of hospitality, available and excited to help guests with anything from a restaurant recommendation to a ride into town. Free bagels and coffee are offered each morning with a selection of locals beers in the afternoon.

Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

Inside the rooms, guests are immediately teleported out of New York and into Balinese-inspired bungalows. The rooms are classic and utilitarian, combining modern and rustic aesthetics through all white decor with custom, handmade accents imported from Bali. There are no added frills - no room service, no in-room entertainment. Each room comes with outdoor space, beach towels, and beds you disappear in to - the only necessities needed for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Interior, Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

Interior, Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

It’s no question that the Hamptons has become a beachside sanctuary for Manhattanites to escape the heat and bustling city streets each summer. From Saturday’s at Surf Lodge to Eleven Madison Park’s East Hampton pop up, the Hamptons absorbs the energy of Manhattan each Friday at 6pm. But the owners of Hero Beach Club, Jon Krasner and Teddy Wasserman, along with friends Leland Hensch and Andy Mann, have ignited a cultural shift away from the notorious Hampton’s party scene and back to its cozy beach town roots.

Krasner and Wasserman took over the landmark location last year and embarked on a full-scale renovation. The duo aimed to blend tranquility and tradition, bringing together local artisans and unique programming to create a place grounded in community. True to Montauk’s laid-back style, Krasner and Wasserman encourage their visitors to make their own experience with “Montauk at your disposal.” Krasner, who has been visiting Montauk since childhood, fell in love with the location and its natural setting on one of the best beaches in Montauk. He saw a need for a destination geared towards an older crowd who doesn’t always want to participate in the nightlife scene out east. The hotel is putting a strong emphasis on its health and wellness program, offering free yoga on the lawn four days a week with additional partnerships by Summer 2018. Guests also have the option to book everything from surf lessons, fishing, biking, horsebackriding, massages, transportation, and complimentary bikes. With only two months of business under its belt, the hotel has seen sold out weekends, daytime soirees, and social media attention galore, with no slowing down in sight.

Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

Hero Beach ClubHero Beach Club

Once the perfect weekend is over, visitors find themselves in the Old Montauk and Montauk Highway again as they head back west. Driving past the Hero Beach Club, a large smiley face sits on the side facade, winking at guests as they drive past as if they're all in on Montauk’s new best kept secret.

Since moving to NYC in 2012, I've become a woman of many hats. I've established myself as a cultural archaeologist who lives to dig up the best of the unknown in fashion, beauty, music, art, and more. I write about these discoveries on my website Friend of a Friend, an onlin...